An animal sanctuary that feared it may have to close due to a noise abatement order is now looking forward to a bright future after a £10,000 donation to help soundproof it.

The Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home in North Somercotes has received overwhelming support from local residents since it was served with the order due to complaints about barking dogs.

The charity, which has rescued hundreds of animals over more than 30 years, is now looking forward to a Merry Christmas after catastrophe has been averted.

Sue Rice, the manager, said: "People have been amazing in raising money and supporting us. It sounds like a cliché, but the last few weeks have just been mindblowing.

Sue and Pilot at the Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home, which has received a noise abatement order (Image: Rick Byrne / Grimsbylive)

"I received an email from an elderly couple who wanted to give us a £5,000 advance from their will each, but I didn't know if it would happen until they walked in with the cheques! It was completely shocking.

"We thought we were going to have to fight this battle on our own, so it's incredible how generous people have been."

Sue plans to put the money towards soundproofing the kennels, but is waiting for a professional assessment on how best to do this.

A petition asking East Lindsey District Council to rescind the order has reached over 11,700, just short of the original 12,000 signature goal.

The ark has rehomed hundreds of dogs, but has been told to reduce the noise from their barking (Image: Rick Byrne / Grimsbylive)

Money has also been raised from a GoFundMe page to help fix the shelter's leaking kennel roofs.

Sue said: "A few weeks ago, we thought we might be entering our last six months or year - now it looks like we might be around for a long time to come. It was a very stressful time and staff were warned this could be the end, but now it's going to be business as normal over Christmas.

"We're expecting the usual rush on Christmas Eve, but we're a bit better prepared for it this year.